Polish Blogger Thinks Boracay is “Probably the Worst Island I’ve Ever Visited”
The Christmas season is now over, and even if the cold weather is still settling in, many Filipinos are probably already scheduling their summer vacations. One of the popular spots is definitely the world-famous Boracay, with its white sand beach, crystal clear waters, and endless blue skies. The world is captivated by this little island, Filipinos included. Except this Polish travel blogger, who has traveled to 61 countries in the past 10 years.
Anna Lysakowska of Anna Everywhere wrote about her trip to Boracay, and called it “probably the worst island I’ve ever visited.” She called it a tourist trap, and was “incredibly disappointed when I left the island.” She visited the island because of its white sand and great parties.
She started describing getting to the island:
To start with, I was on a bus with a group of teenage Filipinos that decided not to respect anyone else by playing their music incredibly loudly while screaming to it and throwing chips on others.
Boracay is one of the world’s premiere party places
And when she reached the port going to Caticlan, she was bombarded by locals offering to carry her suitcases. When she declined, this is what happened:
They still asked for money and wouldn’t leave me alone unless I gave them something. I have nothing against tipping, but yelling “Give me a tip now!” isn’t going to make anyone give them more money, actually quite the opposite.
She also criticized the number of foreign backpackers she described as “horrible.” She said:
I don’t remember the last time I was surrounded by so many ignorant people. The majority of people who come to Boracay are either Korean tourists, which are fine, or the worst types of backpackers who go there with one mission – to tick the Philippines off of their list, get wasted, and have sex with whoever comes along… I think most of these people had no interest or knowledge about Filipino culture and were only there to party.
Boracay sand castles are one of the attractions of the beach
Anna also described the lack of Filipino culture in Boracay. She said that locals adjusted the culture to foreign tourists.
And sometimes, they don’t care at all. She described how a class she enrolled at was cancelled at the last minute. When it was rescheduled, no one from the class was present. Anna also described the number of “annoying” vendors:
The moment you step out of the hotel in Boracay, you’re practically under attack. Annoying vendors are everywhere: the streets, the shops, and sadly, even the beach.
Even the beach did not escape Anna’s post. She said that the worst thing about Boracay is the beach because it is constantly being destroyed by consumerism. She warned readers to think twice before flying to Boracay, and to consider other Philippine islands.
Oh and needless to say, we still love Boracay! Here’s our favorite things to do in Boracay – Top 10 Things to do in Boracay
What do you think? Is she right? Share you thoughts in the comments section below!
Polish Blogger Thinks Boracay is “Probably the Worst Island I’ve Ever Visited
I don´t understand Anna, or maybe she hasn´t visited too many beaches on the world. (apart I think she had a bad day). 1. Filipinos teenagers singing and playing: It´s joy of life!!, I love Filipinos singing. The world need more fun people and not sad and grumpy. 2- People who ask for tips when help you with your cases: It´s up to you, but if they help you….you should give something. 3- Ignorant People??. She should show more respect for people. 4- Attack by vendors??- I never felt attacked, there are shops, stalls and a few vendors at the beach, but they only offer their goods and ask you, polite and relax. I think the parts of the beach are well separated, you have Station 1 is quieter, or if you continue walking more far is more relaxed and quite, it´s not so crowded like Station2. If you want kite or windsurfing you have Boogaloo Beach. The restaurants and shops at the beach are all in a line, so charming. I love Boracay, Filipinos and their way of life. Believe me, I´m Spanish, and we have beaches and tourists in all the country, I live in a tourist place (sometimes I would like the politicians of my city will learn how manage our place like Boracay). For me Boracay is the 2nd Best Beaches of the World (1st my place, Tarifa).
WAKE UP CALL!!!
Thats reality, now that a foreigner said to avoid the place, now every false patriotic filipinos will now pop out and rant over what the traveler had said. THE TRUTH HURTS! If only those companies who are very visible on the island (telecom/beverage/hotel etc) can (OR SHOULD) limit the advertisement on the island…. the better. Local and foreign visitor go to those Island to relax and have fun, but now they are bombarded with ill mannered local tourist and greedy capitalist.
Truth be told… she does have a point and I admire her honesty. Boracay is an island being devoured by consumerism. Love it or hate it, it’s still one of the best beaches to see and be seen.
she’s right! 🙂